La Salle back on track after escaping Adamson 56-52

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle ended a three-game tailspin after a pulling off a 56-52 Houdini act over Adamson Sunday in the UAAP Season 75 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Blue-chip rookie Jeron Teng led the way with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

“Not really the game we visualized but we’ll take the win anytime,” said DLSU head coach Gee Abanilla with a sigh of relief. “I think LA Revilla’s injury threw us off.”

“Happy to finally get over the hump,” said La Salle center Norbert Torres.

Revilla, the team’s starting point guard, sprained his left ankle in the second quarter and did not return.

The Green Archers led by seven at one point but could never really establish their game despite battling the undermanned Falcons.

“Adamson really played a good defense against us,” Abanilla added.

La Salle though did a better job defensively as it held Adamson to just 23 percent from the field but troubles at the line didn’t allow the Archers to pull away.

Adamson even took a 52-49 cushion with 2:37 left but sans a legitimate go-to guy with Alex Nuyles out of the season after dislocating his shoulder anew, La Salle clawed back and took the lead for good, 53-52, after a lay-up by Teng off a fastbreak.

“Good thing about it, the rookies were given a chance to play and they performed really well. I hope they can perform better,” said Abanilla, whose squad continued its struggles at the stripe.

“Unfortunately we missed a lot of free throws again. It’s a mental thing. I’m telling my boys you have to be strong in your mind,” he said.

DLSU missed 12 of its 18 attempts. Ironically, Teng’s lone made free throw in six tries sealed the team’s third win in six games.

Ryan Monteclaro paced the Falcons with 12 points while John Brondial chipped in with eight points and 12 boards.

Eric Camson failed to deliver especially when Adamson needed him most as he scored measly five points.